You are here

Community meeting set for June 24 on stadium-area development

Share this:

June 4, 2013

By: Sarah McKenzie

Sarah McKenzie

Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen and Ryan executives are scheduled to brief the community June 24 on the Vikings stadium project and the proposed redevelopment for the Star Tribune land adjacent to the stadium.

The meeting will be held at Open Book, 10th & Washington, from 6:30–8 p.m. Co-sponsors of the event include the Mill District Neighborhood Association, the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association, Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc. and the East Downtown Council.

The bold, glassy design for the stadium was revealed May 13. The next day, city officials and developer Ryan Cos. revealed a $400 million redevelopment plan for a five-block area owned by the Star Tribune west of the stadium. The proposal includes plans for a large park, two new 20-story office towers, retail and housing.

The meeting comes as media reports are raising more questions about the redevelopment plan. The Star Tribune reported today that skyways planned for the project could cost taxpayers about $6.4 million, and KSTP has noted that Hennepin County officials are opposed to plans to close off Portland and Park avenues, which would hinder plans for the large park next to the stadium. The Star Tribune building could also be deemed historic, which would prevent its demolition.